A statement by the army spokesman, Col. Sani Usman on Sunday, said the hostages were rescued when the troops conducted a decisive clearance operation into the remnants of Boko Haram strategic town of Chukungudu.

Usman said the operation was led by the General Offitcer Commanding (GOC) of the 7 Division, Brig-Gen. Victor Ezugwu, between Friday and Saturday.

“The maneuvering Brigade led by 3 Battalion of 22 Brigade, successfully cleared Geram, Bulankassa and Chukungudu believed to be the Boko Haram terrorists strongholds in that area,” Usman said.

He said the troops killed five terrorists in a fierce encounter that made several of them ran into the Lake Chad waters.